Coronavirus and Acme's Response

Based on what is currently known about the virus, spread from person-to-person happens most frequently among close contacts (within about 6 feet). Transmission of novel coronavirus to persons from surfaces contaminated with the virus has not been documented. Current evidence suggests that novel coronavirus may remain viable for hours to days on surfaces made from a variety of materials. Cleaning of visibly dirty surfaces followed by disinfection is a best practice measure for prevention of COVID-19 and other viral respiratory illnesses in community or workplace settings.

Definitions

• Cleaning refers to the removal of dirt and impurities, including germs, from surfaces. Cleaning alone does not kill germs. But by removing the germs, it decreases their number and therefore any risk of spreading infection.
• Disinfecting works by using chemicals to kill germs on surfaces. This process does not necessarily clean dirty surfaces or remove germs. But killing germs remaining on a surface after cleaning further reduces any risk of spreading infection.
• Viruses are microorganisms that are smaller than bacteria and cannot grow or reproduce apart from a living host cell (animal, human, plant, or bacteria). They invade a living cell and use the host cell’s chemical machinery to stay alive and replicate themselves. Viruses may be spread through the air, by contact with contaminated surfaces, and by exchange of body fluids. Viruses are responsible for the common cold (rhinoviruses), intestinal and respiratory flu (noroviruses), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and influenza A subtype H1N1 (swine flu). Viruses do not respond to antibiotics, which makes them more difficult to control.
• Germs is a collective name for microscopic organisms, and includes bacteria, viruses, fungi and some parasites.

Cleaning

• Focus on high touch surfaces such as kitchen counters, door knobs, electronic devices and phones, conference/breakroom tables, bathroom surfaces and the like.
• If surfaces are dirty, they should be cleaned using a detergent or soap and water prior to disinfection. For a disinfectant to be effective at killing germs, all dirt, debris, and organic matter must first be removed from the surface so that the disinfectant can come into contact with the germs and be absorbed.
• High-quality microfiber cloths and mop heads serve several roles in preparing a surface to be disinfected. In addition to soaking up moisture and removing the nutrients that germs need to survive, high-quality microfiber with dense fibers can remove germs and bacterial spores.
• Note that thoroughly cleaning a surface can reduce the need to disinfect because without the nutrients and moisture needed to survive and multiply, most germs cannot live on a clean and dry surface for very long.

Disinfection

• For disinfection, diluted household bleach solutions, alcohol solutions with at least 70% alcohol, and most common EPA-registered household disinfectants should be effective.
• Diluted household bleach solutions can be used if appropriate for the surface. Follow manufacturer’s instructions for application and proper ventilation. Never mix household bleach with ammonia or any other cleanser. Prepare a bleach solution by mixing 5 tablespoons (1/3 cup) bleach per gallon of water or 4 teaspoons bleach per quart of water.
• Products with EPA-approved emerging viral pathogens claims are expected to be effective against COVID-19 based on data for harder to kill viruses. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for all cleaning and disinfection products (e.g., concentration, application method and contact time, etc.).
• For soft (porous) surfaces such as carpeted floor, rugs, and drapes, remove visible contamination if present and clean with appropriate cleaners indicated for use on these surfaces.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and Hand Hygiene

• Cleaning staff should wear disposable gloves and gowns, if needed, for all tasks in the cleaning process, including handling trash.
• Gloves and gowns should be compatible with the disinfectant products being used.
• Additional PPE might be required based on the cleaning/disinfectant products being used and whether there is a risk of splash.
• Gloves and gowns should be removed carefully to avoid contamination of the wearer and the surrounding area. Be sure to clean hands after removing gloves.
• Cleaning staff and others should clean hands often, by washing hands with soap and water for 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available and hands are not visibly dirty, an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains 60%-95% alcohol may be used. However, if hands are visibly dirty, always wash hands with soap and water.
• Follow normal preventive actions while at work and home, including cleaning hands and avoiding touching eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands.

Cleaning and Disinfection After Persons Suspected/Confirmed to Have COVID-19 Have Been in the Facility

The virus that causes coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is stable for several hours to days in aerosols and on surfaces, according to a new study from National Institutes of Health, CDC, UCLA and Princeton University scientists in The New England Journal of Medicine. The scientists found that severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) was detectable in aerosols for up to three hours, up to four hours on copper, up to 24 hours on cardboard and up to two to three days on plastic and stainless steel. The results provide key information about the stability of SARS-CoV-2, which causes COVID-19 disease, and suggests that people may acquire the virus through the air and after touching contaminated objects.

If we have an associate at one of our facilities that tests positive for COVID-19 virus, the workspace and common areas of the location where the associate worked will be cleaned and disinfected before others are allowed to enter that workspace. If, for some reason, a thorough cleaning is not possible, no one will be allowed to enter that workspace for a minimum of 3 days (72 hours) after the affected associate was last in that area.

• It is recommended to close off areas used by the ill persons and wait as long as practical before beginning cleaning and disinfection to minimize potential for exposure to respiratory droplets. Open outside doors and windows to increase air circulation in the area. If possible, wait up to 24 hours before beginning cleaning and disinfection.
• Cleaning staff should clean and disinfect all areas (e.g., offices, bathrooms, and common areas) used by the ill persons, focusing especially on frequently touched surfaces.

References

1. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prepare/disinfecting-building-facility.html
2. https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CCDPHP/DEODC/OHB/WRAPP/CDPH%20Document%20Library/CleanSchoolsHandbook.pdf